Dr. Juby Thomas is a renowned professor based in Bengaluru. Apart from which she also is a Social Scientist, Author and a well-known Environmentalist. She has published around 12 research articles, 5 books and about 100 writings in various media. Driven with the passion of learning, she provides the budding scholars various opportunities to grow. Recently, she added a feature to the higher education sector in Karnataka, by guiding an entire batch of postgraduate students to release a book. The book titled ‘fourth estate: a qualitative and quantitative retrospection’ was released by Adarsh Eshwarappa, Kannada Film Director.
She has conducted numerous workshops on personality development, leadership skills, life skills, social media addiction, and research technique in India, which also helped her to grow beyond the national boundaries as a devoted mentor for both professionals and students, Dr. Juby Thomas, quotes “promoting growth across the community is the source of true excellence.”
The voyage of this Chanakya 2021 and India prime Icon 2022 award winner is an inspiration for all the young minds. Here below is a educational conversation with her.
As you have completed a decade of your journey as an academician and scholar in PR and Corporate Communication, was this something that you had envisioned or was it an opportunity you grabbed?
I would like to say initially, more than passion, it was truly the opportunities that redirected me to this sector. Before choosing the profession, as a student, I tried to intern with multiple sectors and even made an attempt to intern in a PR firm. Later, I decided to be a Journalist. But after working as a Journalist for a year, my interest shifted to research and academics. Entry into PR and corporate communication teaching was something need-based as many of the students opted it as their specialisation. And yes, today the journey through the endless opportunities made it a passion to envision the future of many budding professionals.
How does your background make you fit for the role?
Since I come from an educational background which provided equal exposure to all the media sectors, it enabled me to be an all-rounder. Be it writing press releases, organising events or even making corporate advertising, the multi-educational background and field exposure is truly supportive to be innovative. So even I encourage my students to pay equal attention to all the media verticals, so that they can outshine in any sector.
What were the most difficult challenges that you faced being academician?
For an academician the biggest challenge is to think out of the box and enable students to do so. More than mere lecturing I challenge myself to provide a classroom atmosphere which is more activity based and innovative. Yes, it is quite hectic and time consuming, yet interesting to see the results. The demo press conferences and PR campaigns organised by my students getting published in the mainstream media and the social impact they create through the research and by publishing books are truly a memorable pedagogy.
How did you feel about winning the Chanakya award and India Prime Icon award and how has it transformed your life?
PRCI is the first media fraternity which provided me with a national level recognition. Due to this reason the Chanakya award will always be close to my heart. I am glad that our elders in the media sector take so much effort to encourage and empower the next generation through such recognitions and awards. But then, such recognitions adds several responsibilities and transform our lives with more invitations from other institutions to interact with their students. And a result the exposure and opportunities have doubled.
This may sound like a cliché question to you but we are curious to know, would you be where you are today if you didn’t have your family support and how important is their presence for you?
Yes, it is true that strong families make strong personalities. I am a fearless woman because I have a strong family as my backbone. Freedom and understanding of my passion is the biggest support I received from my family and I am always grateful to them. We celebrate our ups and downs together and that’s what is more important. Not only family, even the institutions I studied and worked at have also been a great agent of support too. My students are the best critics of my work and their motivation is unparalleled.
What is your advice to the budding communication professionals?
More than advice, I have a humble request to them. As we encounter a lot of ethical violations in all sectors, just do not follow the crowd, kindly have a strong conviction and abide by them. Because, you always have a greater grandeur to achieve. Also focus on these three things: know your audience, road test your ideas before implementing them and build a strong network.
The positive vibe, enthusiasm, versatility, social commitment and passion for teaching is something that wobbled me throughout the conversation. Dr. Juby Thomas is an example for all the women and there is not a day where her work goes unappreciated. Along with the success that she has brought with her in the field of research & communication, she continues to explore and use her skills and experiences in various other fields. And finally when I asked her where you draw the energy for all these …… she took my breath away with a laughter… and added… “All the thoughts in my head act as magnets to chase my dreams. Nothing can stop those magnets, until I decided to put an end to it.” She has learned the art of chasing her dreams. And inspire all of us to dream bigger and better. This brings to conclusion that anything is possible if we have interest and a storm of passion for it.